The first ever fleet of JCB’s brand new electric drive scissor lifts has been put to work for GT Access.
Whether for purchase or hire, the powered access industry is built on two key pillars: safety and reliability. With over 40 years’ experience in the industry, Bromsgrove-based GT Access makes working at height safe by providing its customers with the right equipment, training, advice and support, allowing them to focus on completing their tasks safely, efficiently and cost effectively.
With over 3,000 access platforms – the majority of which are less than 5 years old – the company boasts one of the most up to date fleets currently available for rental. This means that GT Access can offer its customers unparalleled reliability as well as the latest safety features on all its machinery.
Already one of the largest global users of JCB Access equipment, GT Access has now become the first to order JCB’s recently unveiled electric drive scissor lifts – adding 200 of the new machines to its fleet in a bumper deal worth more than £2million. With the addition of the brand new JCB electric machines, GT Access can continue to reach the sky-high expectations of its customers with the latest, market-leading access equipment.
A step above
With these new models, the hydraulic drive motors are replaced by electric drive motors. The efficiency improvement, from replacing hydraulic with electric motors, results in an increase in productivity, with up to a 53% longer run time on a single battery charge. This reduces overall charging cost, lowering total cost of ownership for the customer.
The electric motors also deliver increased torque to the wheels and up to 25% gradeability, making it easier to drive on inclines and to load up truck ramps. With the hydraulic motors replaced, there are up to 50% fewer hydraulic connections on a single-cylinder machine, or 48% on a twin-cylinder model, cutting the potential for leaks and making it easier to maintain the machine.
GT Access Sales Director, Steve Moody said: “GT Access chose to place its second largest ever order for JCB scissor lifts based on the reliability and resale values of the original JCB machines we purchased 5 years ago. Not to mention the excellent brand name that JCB has in the UK.”
“The new development of direct electric drive models played a big part in the decision to reinvest. They give our customers multiple benefits over hydraulic motor machines. The older machines have also given us an excellent ROI as well as being very reliable and looking in good condition for their age.”
Taking charge
The new electric drive scissor lifts are a further demonstration of JCB’s leading role in the move towards a cleaner, low-emission future for construction equipment.
The JCB E-TECH range is a new generation of fully electric machines with zero emissions at point of use and no compromise on performance. JCB pioneered the world’s first electric mini excavator and telescopic handler models, and the range now also includes the 1TE electric site dumper, HTD-5E tracked dumpster, and a series of access platforms and 403E wheel loader alongside a range of powerpacks and charging options.
The sky’s the limit
With a dedicated customer base which stretches from its headquarters in the heart of the West Midlands to its 12 depots across the length and breadth of the UK, GT Access is going from strength to strength. This massive investment in the latest electric drive JCB access equipment is surely set to help lift this access specialist to new heights.